When to plant Napa Cabbage in Ouachita Parish County,
Plant Napa Cabbage in Ouachita Parish County after March 10; the prime window is February 24–March 17. A second sowing from September 3 to September 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Napa Cabbage in Ouachita Parish, LA
What to do in June
Here's what deserves your attention in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.
-
It's harvest week for napa cabbage
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Napa cabbage forms tall, barrel-shaped heads with tender, crinkled leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is the primary cabbage used for kimchi.
Ouachita Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 10 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.
At an elevation of 340 feet, Ouachita Parish receives approximately 53.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Napa Cabbage during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Napa Cabbage root diseases.
Ouachita Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Napa Cabbage Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Ouachita Parish
How your county's soil matches Napa Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.8) is within Napa Cabbage's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Ouachita Parish is excellent for Napa Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Napa Cabbage.
How to Plant Napa Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Napa Cabbage
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
Napa Cabbage Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Napa Cabbage
Napa Cabbage needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Napa Cabbage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 6.5" | 4.4" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 5" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 4.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 4.2" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Ouachita Parish). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Napa Cabbage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Napa Cabbage Planting Timeline — Ouachita Parish, LA
Napa Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Direct Sow | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 17 |
| Harvest | May 5 | May 5 – Jun 9 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
247 days in Ouachita Parish
Growing Tips for Napa Cabbage in Ouachita Parish
Direct sow Napa Cabbage outdoors after March 10 in Ouachita Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Napa Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Best grown as a fall crop. Direct sow in late summer, 60-70 days before first frost. Keep soil evenly moist. Bolt-resistant varieties are available for spring planting.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Napa Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Ouachita Parish, LA?
Ouachita Parish is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 10. Plan your Napa Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ouachita Parish, LA?
Ouachita Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 10 and first fall frost is November 12.
When should I plant Napa Cabbage in Ouachita Parish County, ?
In Ouachita Parish County, , plant Napa Cabbage after the last frost (around March 10) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ouachita Parish County, for Napa Cabbage?
Ouachita Parish County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Napa Cabbage grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Napa Cabbage grow in Ouachita Parish County's climate?
Yes — Napa Cabbage grows well in Ouachita Parish County's temperate climate. Ouachita Parish County averages a 247-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 10 and first frost around November 12.
Your Ouachita Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ouachita Parish (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.